As no one is unaware, we live in an age of celebrity! The Church has a vast array of celebrities, or Saints, from different countries, ways of life and social standing, each one of them inspires and encourages us, whoever we may be. In spite their different characters and life styles they all share two qualities: courage and a profound love of Jesus. The Gospel Beatitudes are a universal recipe for sainthood. They speak of being willing to suffer the mockery of the world, and of being in a minority that chooses God’s ways over the selfish preferences of a materialistic society. They direct us to be courageous and have trusting faith in God. The Book of Revelation describes a crowd of saints before the Throne of the Lamb; people from all races and nations, a number too large to count. Of these some have died, others still live and others are yet to be born; but all willing to sacrifice everything for the Kingdom of God. These saints are our celebrities, their lives showing to the wide world the Beatitudes in action. Are we part of that crowd? We are called to be so! Let’s ask the saints to pray for us that, like them, we too may give courageous witness to the Gospel in this life and so one day share with them in the joys of Heaven.
…but they all ended well.” (St John Vianney)
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